New homelessness cases in England have risen by by 48% and the numbers of families living in temporary accommodation is up 61%, according to government figures published today. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has blasted the Tories over the news and said it is ‘stain on our nation’s conscience.’

Councils accepted 59,090 households as homeless and in 'priority' need of housing in 2016/17 - compared to 40,020 in 2009/10.

1,290 families were spending more than the six-week legal limit living in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The total number of households in temporary accommodation on 31 March 2017 is up 61% to 77,240 compared to December 2010.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:

“In 2017 no-one should be homeless, living in a Bed and Breakfast or worrying whether they will have a roof over their head from one month to the next.  This is a national scandal and the Government are doing nothing to actually tackle the problem.

“We need more houses built and they need to be the right kind of housies - social housing, truly affordable housing, and social rented properties.

“Britain is one of the richest places on earth, it is a stain on our nation’s conscience that thousands of people are still sleeping rough on the streets every night.